Studio Ghibli to close

Totoro animators say goodbye.

by Jennie Kermode

Totoro
Totoro

Studio Ghibli, the Japanese animation studio behind such favourites as My Neighbour Totoro, Ponyo and Spirited Away, is to close, it was confirmed today. The news follows rumours that emerged Wednesday to the effect that the business was in financial trouble and unlikely to survive. Producer Toshio Suzuki said that the anime department will be dismantled, though existing films will continue to be distributed.

The move will come as a big disappointment for anime fans worldwide, and especially for those currently enjoying Hayao Miyazaki's latest film, Omoide No Marnie (When Marnie Was There), which opened in Japan last month.

Share this with others on...
News

An unexpected friendship Sean Pecknold on bringing a neighbourhood to life in Tennis, Oranges

'Movies give you the energy to give time to time' Vivianne Perelmuter and Isabelle Ingold on their open approach to New Beginnings

Uncertain waters Justin Anderson on unpredictability, the influence of Buñuel, and Swimming Home

Finding a balance Kelly Anderson on Industry City and Sunset Park in Emergent City

Lynne Ramsay and Kirsten Stewart back on the Croisette Cannes organisers add titles to the final mix as opening night looms

More news and features

We're bringing you news, reviews and more from Fantaspoa and Queer East.



We're looking forward to Cannes.



We've recently brought you coverage of Visions du Réel, the Overlook Film Festival, BFI Flare, the Glasgow Short Film Festival, South by Southwest, the Glasgow Film Festival, the Berlinale, Sundance, Palm Springs and DOC NYC.



Read our full for more.


Visit our festivals section.

Interact

More competitions coming soon.